Hilton has partnered with UAE conglomerate Al Habtoor Group to convert two of its hotels in Beirut to the Hilton Hotels & Resorts brand and to develop the first Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts property in Dubai.

The agreement will see Hilton enter Lebanon by converting the 195-room Habtoor Grand and the 183-room Metropolitan Palace to the Hilton Beirut Habtoor Grand and Hilton Beirut Metropolitan Palace, said a senior official.

"Both hotels are located in the heart of the dynamic city of Beirut and are expected to open in early 2012," remarked Christopher J. Nassetta, president and chief executive officer, Hilton Worldwide.

The companies also signed an agreement to develop the Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah, the first luxury resort by the Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts brand in Dubai.

Located on the Palm Jumeirah, with views of the coastline and some of the Emirate’s most famous landmarks, the 324-room hotel will feature signature restaurants, a luxury health club and spa. The resort is due to open by the end of 2013.

“Beirut is one of the liveliest cities in the world and a leading gateway destination between the east and west. We have been looking forward to entering Lebanon and are very pleased that we are able to do so with this calibre of properties,” said Nassetta.

"Equally, Waldorf Astoria’s heritage and prestige is a perfect fit for Dubai and it is exactly the right time for this luxury brand to join the expanding number of properties we have planned in the UAE," he stated.

"Today’s announcement amply demonstrates our ongoing commitment to growing in the Middle East and consolidates our position as a leading hospitality provider in the region," the official added.

Chairman and founder Khalaf Al Habtoor said: "Hilton Worldwide and Al Habtoor Group are two of Dubai’s biggest corporate names, and our capabilities as hotel developers combine perfectly with Hilton Worldwide’s expertise as hotel operators."

"They were our partner of choice to help re-establish the two Beirut hotels and we are particularly thrilled to be part of the team launching the legendary Waldorf Astoria name in Dubai," he added.

Hilton Beirut Habtoor Grand will boast a number of quality business facilities including a business centre, four large meeting rooms and the largest, modern function and conference room in the city with capacity for 2400 people.

Hilton Beirut Metropolitan Palace will feature a business centre, five large meeting rooms and an 820-capacity function room as well as a health club, swimming pool and a choice of four restaurants and two bars. 

Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah will feature four signature restaurants, two bars, a private beach and a large luxury health club and spa. The property will also have a business centre, six meeting rooms and a 600-capacity ballroom.

Hilton said it has signed 18 new hotels across the Middle East and Africa this year, taking their total number of hotels in the development pipeline in the region to 40.-TradeArabia News Service